Joint apparatus for a toy

ABSTRACT

A joint apparatus for a toy is provided that, by changing the planes of motion of the rotating members, enables one toy to be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating members, and provides various forms that can be simulated. 
     The joint apparatus comprises a pivoting mechanism  22  that allows a rotating-member support  5 , which supports a rotating member  4  and functions as the rotation shaft of the rotating member  4 , to move relative to a base member  3 . Moreover, the joint apparatus comprises a rotation mechanism  21  that is linked to the pivoting mechanism  22 , and allows the pivoting mechanism  22  to rotate inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to the base member  3 , wherein the rotation mechanism  21  comprises a rotation-locking means that locks the rotation mechanism  21  in the direction of rotation thereof. The rotation-locking means comprises a restraining means  14  that restrains the rotation mechanism  21  from one of the outside end surfaces, and a biasing means  11  that applies a bias to the rotation mechanism  21  from the other outside end surface, with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of the rotation mechanism  21.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a joint apparatus for a toy that has rotating members that are provided such that they can rotate freely with respect to a base member.

BACKGROUND ART

A method of playing with a toy is known in which the base member of the toy, which comprises a finite-shaped base member and rotating members that are attached to the tip ends of that base member such that they can rotate freely, is held and moved back and forth to the left and right or forward and backward causing the rotating members to move.

As examples of this kind of toy is a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; chords that are placed through circular-shaped grooves that are formed on the end sections of the vertical shaft and horizontal shaft, which are the axes of rotation; and spherical-shaped weights that functions as the rotating members that are attached to the chords; or a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; and sections that function as rotation shafts for arms, which function as the rotating members, that are installed on both ends of the horizontal shaft so that they can be freely removed and so that they can rotate freely (refer to Patent Document 1).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese examined utility model application publication S49-21666 (see FIG. 1)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems Solved by the Invention

In the case of the toy disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no mechanism which causes the rotation shafts (vertical shaft and horizontal shaft) of the rotating members to move, and the direction of the rotation shafts of the rotating members can not be changed, so consequently the number of the planes of motion of the rotating members is fixed at one. In other words, it is not possible to change the planes of motion of the rotating members, so for one toy, the types of methods used for moving the toy in order to move the rotating members are limited to just a few.

In Patent Document 1, the arms can be freely removed or attached, so it is possible to enjoy the toy by attaching different shaped arms to change the design. However, since there is only one plane of motion for each rotating member, the forms that can be simulated are limited.

In view of the problems described above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a joint apparatus for a toy that, by changing the planes of motion of the rotating members, enables one toy to be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating members, and provides various forms that can be simulated.

Means for Solving the Problems

The invention according to claim 1 is a joint apparatus for a toy having a rotating member that rotates freely with respect to a base member of the toy, comprising a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports the rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for the rotating member, to move relative to the base member. By moving the pivoting mechanism of the joint apparatus, the rotating-member support, which is the rotation shaft of the rotating member, changes direction and thus the plane of motion of the rotating member changes.

The joint apparatus also comprises pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the pivoting direction thereof (claim 2). The base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so as the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the pivoting mechanism to move on its own due to the movement of the base member. However, since the joint apparatus comprises a pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the direction of rotation of the pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism does not pivot freely.

The joint apparatus also comprises a rotation mechanism that is linked to the pivoting mechanism and enables the pivot mechanism to rotate on the inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to said base member (claim 3). In this case, by having the rotation mechanism make it possible for the pivoting mechanism, which enables the rotating member to move relative to the base member, to rotate with respect to the base member, the possible directions of the rotation shaft increase, and thus it is possible to even further change the planes of motion of the rotating member.

The joint apparatus further comprises rotation-locking means for locking said rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof (claim 4). The base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so while the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism to rotate on its own due to the motion of the base member. However, since the joint apparatus comprises a rotation-locking means for locking the rotating mechanism in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely.

The rotation-locking means comprises: restraining means for restraining the rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and biasing means for applying bias to the rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface; with friction force being generated on both end surfaces of the rotation mechanism (claim 5). The restraining means restrains the rotation mechanism from the end of the rotation shaft, and the biasing means applies bias to the other end, so friction forces are generated on the contact surfaces between the restraining means and the rotation mechanism and the biasing means and the rotation mechanism. The friction forces lock the rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof.

The biasing means may comprise rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism (claim 6). As was described above, friction force occurs between the rotation mechanism and the biasing means, so even though the rotation mechanism may be locked, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism and biasing means to rotate together as one, however, since the biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism is prevented from rotating together as one with the biasing means.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as described above, comprises a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports a rotating member and becomes the rotation shaft of the rotating member, to move relative to a base member, so by changing the direction of the rotation shaft of the rotating member to change the plane of motion of that rotating member, one toy can be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating member, and provide various forms that can be simulated.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below based on the drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 shows a toy 1 in which the joint apparatus 2 of the present invention is embodied. The toy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving the toy 1 back and forth, causing rotating members 4, which are attached to the tip ends of the toy 1 such that they can rotate freely, to move. The toy 1 comprises a base member 3 for holding the toy, and that base member 3 comprises joint apparatuses 2 that change the planes of motion of the rotating members 4 by changing the direction of rotating-member supports 5 that function as the rotation shafts of the rotating members 4 and that also support the rotating members 4.

A joint apparatus 2 comprises a pivoting mechanism 22 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot, and a rotation mechanism 21 that rotates the pivoting mechanism 22, and changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by combining the pivoting and rotation. The rotating member 4 is attached to the joint apparatus 2 via the rotating-member support 5.

The base member 3 comprises a held section 6 that is held by the user, and connection sections 7 that connect the held section 6 with the joint apparatuses 2. The held section 6 is made of wood, for example, and is formed into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section. In order that the held section 6 can be easily held, it is preferred that a rubber grip 8, for example, be provided on the lower half thereof.

Three connection sections 7, 7, 7, for example, that are arranged in a T shape are fastened to the opposite end (top end in the figure) of the held section 6 from where the grip 8 is provided. One of the connection sections 7 is connected to the end surface (top end surface in the figure) of the held section 6 and is located at the top of the held section 6, and the other two connection sections 7, 7 are connected to the side surfaces of the held section 6 such that they are opposite each other via the held section 6 and are orthogonal to the held section 6. Here, by forming the held section 6 into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section, the end surface and side surfaces with which the connection sections 7 connect become flush, so the contact area between the held section 6 and a connection section 7 becomes large, giving the toy 1 good structural stability.

A connection section 7 comprises, for example, a fastening member 9 that fastens to the held section 6, a biasing means 11 that will be described later, and a housing member 10 that houses part of the rotation mechanism 21 and part of a restraining means 14. The fastening member 9 is a circular column shaped piece of wood or the like with a concave section 9 a formed in the center on one end surface thereof, and is fastened to the held section 6 such that the concave section 9 a is opened to the outside. The cylindrical shaped housing member 10 is made of a transparent plastic or the like, and fits inside the concave section 9 a, with this housing member 10 being fastened to the fastening member 9 by adhesive or the like. Here, both the concave section 9 a and the housing member 10 have a circular cross section.

A biasing means 11 that applies a bias force to the rotation mechanism 21, and part of the rotation mechanism 21 are housed inside the housing member 10 from the side of the end that is connected to the fastening member 9. Part of the restraining means 14 is housed and fastened in the housing member 10 on the end opposite the side of the end that is connected to the fastening member 9. The biasing means 11, rotation mechanism 21 and restraining means 14 are arranged in a row with each respective axis being aligned with the axis of the housing member 10.

The biasing means 11 comprises a biasing member 12 for applying a bias force to the rotation mechanism 21, and a bias-force-transmission member 13 for transmitting the bias force from the biasing means 12 to the rotating-member 21. A metal coil spring or the like is used as the biasing member 12, and one end of this biasing member 12 comes in contact with the fastening member 9, while the other end comes in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 13.

The restraining means 14, which is fastened to the housing member 10, restrains the biasing member 12 via the bias-force-transmission member 13 and rotation mechanism 21, and when applying a bias, the biasing member 12 presses against the fastening member 9. This biasing member 12 is in a biasing state, and is in a state that is capable of becoming even a larger biasing state. In other words, in the case of employing a coil spring as the biasing member 12 as shown in this embodiment, the spring is in a state of being able to apply an even large elastic force as it is compressed.

A circular column shaped piece of wood or the like is used as the bias-force-transmission member 13, and one end of this bias-force-transmission member 13 comes in contact with the biasing member 12 that is in the biasing state, and the other end is restrained by the restraining means 14 via the rotation mechanism 21. The restraining means 14 is fastened to the housing member 10, and since the rotating-member 21 does not move in a direction that reduces the biasing force of the biasing member 12 (in the figure, this is the direction from the fastening member 9 toward the restraining means 14), there is always a biasing force acting on the bias-force-transmission member 13. Therefore, the biasing member 12 shows the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the biasing force acts) as the bias-force-transmission member 13.

A locking member 13 a that locks the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation is provided on the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side toward the rotation mechanism 21. As shown in FIG. 4, a plastic circular shaped flat plate 13 b or the like on which a plurality (four in the figure) of semi spherical convex sections 13 c are formed facing outward around the circumferential direction of the flat plate 13 b is used as the locking member 13 a, and this locking member 13 a engages with a locked member 21 d (explained later) that is provided on the on rotation mechanism 21.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, on the side surface of the bias-force-transmission member 13 there is a protruding rotation-prevention member 13 d for preventing the bias-force-transmission member 13 from rotating in the circumferential direction. A long hole 10 a, whose long axis is parallel with the axis of the housing member 10, is formed at a location on the housing member 10 that corresponds with the rotation-prevention member 13 d. The rotation-prevention member 13 d is locked in the circumferential direction of the bias-force-transmission member 13 by the wall of the long hole 10 a, however is free to slide inside the long hole 10 a in the long-axis direction of the long hole 10 a.

A rotation mechanism 21, for example, comprises a rotation-prevention section 21 a for preventing the rotation mechanism 21 from freely rotating, a shaft section 21 b that is connected to the rotation-prevention section 21 a so that it is located on the axis line of the housing member 10 and becomes the rotation shaft, and a connection section 21 c that connects to the pivoting mechanism 22 that will be described later; this rotation mechanism 21 being able to rotate with the shaft section 21 b as the center of rotation.

The rotation-prevention section 21 a is a circular column-shaped piece of wood or the like, and is located in the axial direction between the bias-force-transmission member 13 and restraining means 14. The shaft section 21 b is made of wood, for example, and is a circular-shaped column having a smaller cross section than the rotation-prevention section 21 a, and this shaft section 21 b extends from the rotation-prevention section 21 a toward the side of the restraining means 14, passes through the restraining means 14, and protrudes out in the axial direction from the outer end surface of the restraining means 14.

The surface of the rotation mechanism 21 that faces the bias-force-transmission member 13 is equipped with a locked member 21 d. This locked member 21 d is locked with the locking member 13 a such that the bias-force-transmission member 13, which is equipped with the locking member 13 a, locks the rotation mechanism 21, which is equipped with the locked member 21 d, in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21. A plastic circular shaped flat plate 21 e or the like, on which a plurality (four in the figure) of semi spherical concave sections 21 f are formed around the circumferential direction of the flat plate 21 e so that they correspond with the convex sections 13 c of the locking member 13 a, is used as the locked member 21 d.

The restraining means 14 is made of wood, for example, and comprises an insert section 14 a that is inserted inside the housing member 10, and a locked section 14 b that is locked to the end surface of the housing member 10, facing outward in the axial direction. A through hold 14 c is formed through the entire length of the restraining means 14, and the shaft section 21 b of the rotation mechanism 21 passes through this through hold 14 c.

The insert section 14 a is formed into a circular column shape, for example, such that it can be inserted into the housing member 10 and attached to the inner surface of the housing member 10 with adhesive or the like. The locked section 14 b is continuous with the insert section 14 a and is formed into a circular column shape having a larger cross section than the housing member 10 such that the end surface of the locked section 14 b that is connected to the insert section 14 a comes in contact with the end surface of the housing member 10.

Inside the housing member 10, the biasing member 12, which is in the bias state, applies a bias force in the axial direction to one end of the rotation mechanism 21 via the bias-force-transmission member 13, and the restraining means 14 that is fastened to the housing member 10 restrains the other end of the rotation mechanism 21 in a direction opposite the direction of the bias force that is applied by the biasing member 12. Therefore, a friction force occurs on the contact surfaces of the locked member 21 d, which is fastened to the end of the rotation mechanism 21 on the side of the bias-force-transmission member 13, and the locking member 13 a, which is fastened to the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side of the rotation mechanism 21. On the other hand, friction force also occurs on the contact surfaces of the rotation mechanism 21 and the restraining means 14.

Therefore, as long as a force is not applied in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 that is equal to or greater than the sum of the friction forces that occur on the surfaces of both ends of the rotation mechanism 21, the rotation mechanism 21 is not able to rotate freely. In this way, the biasing means 11 and restraining means 14 function as a rotation-locking means that locks the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation.

As parameters of the friction forces are the size of the bias force of the biasing member 12, and the friction coefficients of the contact surfaces. When, as in the case of the locking member 13 a and the locked member 21 d of this embodiment, a plurality of convex sections are formed around the circumferential direction of one of the opposing contact surfaces and a plurality of concave sections are formed around the circumferential direction of the other opposing contact surface such that these concave sections and convex sections are in a locked state, the friction coefficients of the contacts surfaces increase, so the friction forces that occur on these contact surfaces also increase.

The toy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving the toy 1 itself, so when it is desired that the rotation mechanism 21 not rotate freely when the toy 1 is moving, it is possible to set the parameters of the friction force, such as the bias force or the friction coefficients, so that the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely.

The convex sections 13 c and concave sections 21 f are semi spherical in shape, so, as shown in FIG. 5, when a force is applied to the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex sections 13 c move away from the concave sections 21 f along the contour and ride up onto the flat section 21 g of the locked member 21 d. When this happens, while being prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction by the rotation-prevention member 13 d, the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the axial direction against the bias force in the direction moving away from the rotation mechanism 21 (direction of the straight arrow in FIG. 5). At this time, the rotation-prevention member 13 d also slides in the long axis direction inside the long hole 10 a of the housing member 10.

Furthermore, when a force is applied to the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof, the locked member 21 d rotates with the flat section 21 g being pressed against the convex sections 13 c, and as shown in FIG. 6, when the next concave sections 21 f in the direction of rotation are located at the position of the convex sections 13 c, the convex sections 13 c move into the concave sections 21 f and the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the direction toward the rotation mechanism 21 (in the direction of the straight arrow in FIG. 6).

By changing from one concave section 21 f in which a convex section 13 c fits to another concave section 21 f that is adjacent in the circumferential direction to the concave section 21 f in this way, the rotation mechanism 21 rotates the amount of the center angle θ (see FIG. 4) that is formed from one convex section 13 c or one concave section 21 f to another convex section 13 c or another concave section 21 f that is adjacent in the circumferential direction.

In the case in which the convex sections 13 c and concave sections 21 f are not formed into a semi spherical shape, but rather formed into a shape having side surfaces that are orthogonal to the installation surface of a cube or the like, the convex sections and concave sections are completely locked in the direction parallel to the surfaces on which they installed due to the characteristics of the shape thereof, so the rotation mechanism 21 is unable to rotate.

Therefore, in order to rotate the rotation mechanism 21, it is necessary to slide the bias-force-transmission member 13 to the side of the biasing member 12 by sliding the rotation-prevention member 13 a inside the long hole 10 directly to the side of the biasing member 12, and release the locked state of the locking member 13 a and locked member 21 c before rotating the rotation mechanism 21.

Moreover, it is also possible to form concave sections on the locking member 13 a and form convex sections on the locked member 21 d. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a locking member 13 a and locked member 21 d between the rotation mechanism 21 and restraining means 14. When a locking means comprising convex sections and concave sections is employed, the restraining means 14 is fastened to the housing member 10, so in order to rotate the rotation mechanism 21, it is necessary for the rotation mechanism 21, which is unrestrained in the axial direction, to slide in the axial direction.

Pivoting mechanisms 22 for changing the directions of rotating-member supports 5, which are the rotation shafts of the rotating member 4, are provided on the end sections of the shafts 21 b that are opposite from the rotation-prevention sections 21 a via connection sections 21 c. A pivoting mechanism 22, for example, comprises a pivoting member 23 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (orthogonal direction in the figure), a housing 24 that houses the pivoting member 23, a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 23 and allows that pivoting member 23 to pivot, as well as becomes the rotation shaft of the rotating member 4, and a pivot-locking means 26 for locking the rotating-member support 5.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the housing 24 is made of wood, for example, and comprises a pair of housing members 25, 25, with a fitting hole 25 a that fits with the pivoting member 23 being formed in the center of one surface of each housing member 25, and a pivot hole 25 b, in which the rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 23 freely pivots, is formed around each fitting hole 25 a such that it is continuous from the fitting hole 25 a to the outer edge of the housing member 25.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7A, the pair of housing members 25, 25 fit together in a state such that the fitting holes 25 a and pivot holes 25 b face each other, forming the housing 24. With the pivoting member 23 fitted inside the fitting holes 25 a, and the rotating-member support 5 passing through the pivot holes 25 b and protruding out from the outer edge of the housing 24, a pair of housing member elements 25 are joined together, for example, by applying adhesive to the connecting surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, other than where the fitting holes 25 a and pivot holes 25 b are formed, the outer shape of the housing 24 is rectangular. The shape of the hole that is formed by both of the fitting holes 25 a when the pair of housing members 25, 25 are joined together matches the shape of the pivoting member 23, and the thickness t1 of the hole formed by joining together both of the pivot holes 25 b nearly matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5.

The pivoting member 23 is a plastic sphere, for example, and the rotating-member support 5, which is a steel rod or the like, is attached to the pivoting member 23 at a location such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 23. In this embodiment, the pivot holes 25 b are formed around the circumference direction of the fitting holes 25 a having a range of 90 degrees, so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot through a range of 90 degrees.

A pivot-locking means 26 for preventing the rotating-member support 5 from freely pivoting is provided in the housing 24 that houses the pivoting member 23 to which the rotating-member support 5 is attached. A plastic flat plate that is formed into a rectangular shape having a specified thickness can be used as the pivot-locking means 26, and this pivot-locking means 26 is fitted from the outside bridging two orthogonal side surfaces of the housing 24, and fastened to the housing 24 from the outer side of the pivot-locking means 26 by fastening means 27 such as wood screws. It is preferred that the surface of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces the housing 24 be processed to the same shape as the outer surface of the housing 24.

A pivot hole 26 a that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot is formed at a location of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces the pivot holes 25 b, and locking holes 26 b that the rotating-member support 5 fits into are formed on both end sections and in the middle of the pivot hole 26 a. The width t3 of the pivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5; with the rotating-member support 5 passing through the pivot hole 26 a and protruding out to the outside.

The rotating-member support 5 receives the force acting in the inward direction of the width t3 of the pivot hole 26 a from the hole walls of the pivot hole 26 a at positions other than where the locking holes 26 b are formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26. In addition, the locking holes 26 b are formed such that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them, and since the locking holes 26 b are continuous with the pivot hole 26 a, and the pivot hole 26 a is formed with a width that is less then the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move inside the pivot hole 26 a from a locking hole 26 b, the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b in the direction opposite the direction in which the rotating-member support 5 is trying to move.

Here, the locking holes 26 b are formed at both ends and in the middle of the pivot hole 26 a, with the pivot hole 26 a facing the pivot hole 25 b, so by taking one of the end sections to be a reference (0 degrees) position, the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the pivot direction at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

When the rotating-member support 5 moves from a locking hole 26 b to the pivot hole 26 a, it is necessary for the rotating-member support 5 to deform the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not freely pivot in the pivot hole 26 a unless a force acts in the pivot direction on the rotating-member support 5 that is large enough to cause it to deform the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b and overcome the lock by the locking hole 26 b, or unless a force acts in the pivot direction that is greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26.

In this embodiment, the rotating-member support 5 is directly attached to the pivoting member 23, so by operating the rotating-member support 5 it is possible to directly change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by moving the pivoting member 23. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a large-diameter section 5 a is provided on the tip end of the rotating-member support 5 for making it easy to operate the rotating-member support 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, a penetrating shaft hole 4 a is formed through the rotating member 4, and with the rotating-member support 5 being inserted through this shaft hole 4 a, the rotating-member support 5 supports the rotating member 4 in a state in which the rotating-member support 5 axially rotates freely within a plane that is orthogonal to the rotating-member support 5. Sliding-prevention means 5 b of the rotating-member support 5 that prevent the rotating member 4 from freely sliding along the rotating-member support 5 are fastened to both end surfaces of the rotating member 4. The rotating member 4 is not restrained by any means in the direction of rotation thereof, so by moving the base member 3 in a rocking motion or the like in the direction of rotation of the rotating member 4, the rotating member 4 moves in a rotating motion or pendulum-like motion.

In a toy that comprises this joint apparatus 2, it is possible to change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 in various directions by causing the pivoting mechanism 22 to rotate by way of the rotation mechanism 21, and causing the rotating-member support 5 to pivot by way of the pivoting mechanism 22 in this way. In this embodiment, by combining the pivoting motion by the pivoting mechanism 22 and the rotation by the rotation mechanism 21, the rotating-member support 5 freely changes directions around the center of the pivoting member 23 within a semispherical range that is formed in the outward radial direction of the rotation mechanism 21, so the plane of motion of the rotation of the rotating member 4 is diversified by that amount, and thus the function of the toy 1 as a play device is improved.

Moreover, the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating member 4 is changed by using the joint apparatus 2, so a situation does not occur in which the parts that form the rotation shaft or rotating member are lost when changing the direction of the axis of rotation by means of relocating the rotation shaft to a different location.

Here, the directions of the three rotating-member supports 5, 5, 5, or in other words, the combinations of planes of motion H, H, H such as the rotating planes of the three rotating members 4, 4, 4, have states as shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members coincide; have states as shown in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide; and as shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10G have states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different. The term ‘coincide’ used here means that the planes of motion H that are formed by the rotating members 4 are parallel.

As states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating member 4, 4, 4 coincide are the state as shown in FIG. 8A in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members 4, 4, 4 form horizontal planes having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction; or the state as shown in FIG. 8B in which the planes of motion H, H, H form vertical planes having axes that are in the up and down direction and left and right direction on the front side with respect to the page. In the former case of the planes of motion H, H, H, in order to move the respective rotating members 4, the base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction or front and rear direction. As another state in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members coincide is the state as shown in FIG. 8C.

Here, in order to change the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members from the state shown in FIG. 1 that is expressed in FIG. 8E to the state in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members shown in FIG. 8A form horizontal planes with axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction, the pivot mechanisms 22, 22 on the left side and right side are rotated 90 degrees so that the pivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and the respective rotating-member supports 5 are caused to pivot 90 degrees to the side of the base member 3.

More specifically, the pivot mechanisms 22, 22 that are located on the left side and right side are rotated the amount of one interval between concave sections 21 f of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), and the rotating-member support 5 that is held in the locking hole 26 b that is formed in one end of the pivot hole 26 a is caused to pivot (move) to the locking hole 26 b that is formed on the other end.

Moreover, as a state in which the planes of motion of two rotating members coincide is a state as shown in FIG. 9A in which the planes of motion H, H of the rotating members on the right side and the left side form vertical planes having axes in the front and rear direction and up and down direction, and the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction. In this case, in order to make each of the rotating members 4, 4, 4 move, the base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the front and rear direction, for example. In addition, as states in which the planes of motion H, H of two rotating members 4, 4 coincide, are states as shown in FIG. 9B to FIG. 9F.

Furthermore, as a state in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different, is a state as shown in FIG. 10A in which the plane of motion of the rotating member 4 located on the left side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the right, the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 that is located on the right side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the left, and the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 that is located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction.

In order to make each of the rotating members 4, 4, 4 move, the base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction or front and rear direction. As other states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members 4 are different, are states as shown in FIG. 10B to FIG. 10G.

Here, in order to change the three rotating members 4, 4, 4 from the state of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 10I to the state shown in FIG. 10A in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members 4 are different, the pivoting mechanisms 22, 22 on the left side and right side are rotated 90 degree as shown in FIG. 10H so that the pivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and each of the respective rotating-member supports 5 is made to pivot 45 degrees toward the side of the base member 3.

More specifically, the pivoting mechanisms 22, 22 that are located on the left side and right side are moved the amount of one interval between concave sections 21 d of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), the pivot holes 26 a are rotated so they are open in the upward direction, and the rotating-member supports 5 that are held in the locking holes 26 b that are formed on one end of the pivoting holes 26 a are made to pivot (move) to the locking holes 26 b that are formed in the middle.

The thickness t3 of the pivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, so by making the rotating-member support 5 pivot a suitable amount, it is possible for the pivoting locking means 26 to lock the rotating-member support 5 at a position other than a locking hole 26 b of the pivot hole 26 a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10G, the planes of motion of the rotating members 4 can be formed by locking the rotating-member supports 5 at positions other than the locking holes 26 b of the pivot holes 26 a.

In this way, it is possible to lock the rotating-member support 5 at locations other than the positions where the locking holes 26 b are provided (0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees in this embodiment), in other words over the entire pivot range of the pivot hole 26 a, so the planes of motion of rotating members 4 have a large amount of freedom.

By moving the base member 3 in various directions causing the rotating members 4 to move in this way, it is possible for the user to adjust and select the position, so the base member 3 can be moved in various directions. Furthermore, when adjusting the planes of motion of the rotating members 4, operation must be performed to change the direction in which the load acts on the rotating-member supports 5, so the toy 1 can also be used as a health device for rehabilitation or the like.

Moreover, since the planes of motion H of the rotating members 4 changed in various ways, it is also possible to change the exchangeable rotating members 4 to correspond with the planes of motion H, providing an outward appearance that simulates various forms such as animals, insects, machines, etc.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The embodiment described above is an example, and other embodiments having the same technical idea and essentially the same construction as that described in the claims of the invention, and that provide a similar effect, are included within the technical scope of the invention. For example, the shape, size, material and the like of each of the members such as the held section 6, fastening member 9, housing member 10 are not limited to those described above.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, a pair of magnets, the same poles thereof facing each other, can be applied as the biasing member 12.

In the embodiment described above, the case of making the rotating-member support 5 pivot in one direction in a range of 90 degrees by pivoting the pivoting member 23 inside the pivot holes 25 b of the housing 24 was explained. However, the pivoting direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to one direction, and can be made to pivot in a plurality of directions. In addition, the pivoting range is not limited to 90 degrees. For example, construction is possible that comprises a housing 240 as shown in FIG. 12 that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around the pivoting member 23.

Similar to the housing 24 described above, the housing 240 comprises a pair of housing members 250, 250. A housing member 250 comprises a fitting hole 250 a, which is similar to the fitting hole 25 a, and a pivot hole 250 b. Similar to the pivot holes 25 b, the pivot holes 250 b are such that the thickness t1 of the hole when both pivot holes 250 b are fitted together nearly matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5 (see FIG. 7), however are formed in a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a.

In addition, the housing member 250 comprises a pivot hole 250 c that passes through the center of the fitting hole 250 a and extends in the direction that crosses the pivot hole 250 b (in the figure, a direction that crosses the pivot hole 250 b in a crisscross direction). The pivot hole 250 c has the same thickness as the thickness t1 of the hole that is formed when the pivot holes 250 b are fitted together so that it matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5 (see FIG. 7). The hole that is formed by fitting together both pivot holes 250 c is formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a.

The pivot holes 250 b and 250 c that cross each other in a crisscross direction are both formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a, so the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around the fitting holes 250 a.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the case was explained in which the direction of the rotating-member support 5 was changed by making the pivoting member 23 pivot inside the pivot holes 25 b of the housing members 25. However, the construction of the pivoting mechanism 22 that changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to this, for example, a pivoting mechanism 220 to 224 can be constructed as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 19.

The pivoting mechanism 220 shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C comprises: a pivoting member 230 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (direction indicated by the arrow in the figure); a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 230 and causes the pivoting member 230 to pivot; a rotation shaft 32 of the pivoting member 230; a biasing means 28 for applying a bias force to the pivoting member 230; and a pivot-locking means 260 for locking the rotating-member support 5.

As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the pivoting member 230, rotation shaft 32 and biasing means 28 are housed in a cylindrical-shaped housing member 31 that is made of transparent plastic, for example. The housing member 31 is fastened to the connection section 21 c by adhesive or the like.

The biasing means 28 comprises a biasing member 29 for applying a bias force to the pivoting mechanism 220, and a bias-force-transmission member 30 for reliably transmitting the bias force from the biasing member 29 to the pivoting member 230. A metal coil spring, for example, is used for the biasing member 29, with one end of the biasing member 29 coming in contact with the connection section 21 c, and the other end coming in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 30.

A plastic circular shaped plate having an outward facing semi-spherical shaped convex section 30 a formed in the center of the plate is used as the bias-force-transmission member 30, and this bias-force-transmission member 30 fits with a concave section 230 a that is provided on the pivoting member 230 to be described later. One end of the bias-force-transmission member 30 comes in contact with the biasing member 29 that is in the bias state, and the other end is restrained by the pivoting member 230. The connection section 21 c is fastened to the housing member 31 and does not move in a direction that would reduce the bias force from the biasing member 29 (the direction toward the opposite side from the biasing member 29 in the figure), so a bias force is always applied to the bias-force-transmission member 30. Therefore, the biasing member 29 displays the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the bias force is applied) as the bias-force-transmission member 30.

The biasing member 29 is restrained by the connection section 21 c that is fastened to the housing member 31, and in the biased state is pressed against the pivoting member 230. The biasing member 29 is in the biased state, however is in a state in which a larger biased state is possible. That is, when a coil spring is used as the biasing member 29 as shown in the example of this embodiment, the spring is in a state in which an even larger elastic force can be applied by further compressing the spring.

A plastic circular shaped flat plate having a plurality of semi-spherical concave sections 230 a (five in the figure) that are formed in the circumferential direction around the side surface of the flat plate such that the shape corresponds with that of the convex section 30 a of the bias-force-transmission member 30 is used as the pivoting member 230. The concave sections 230 a are provided at locations around the outer surface of the pivoting member 230 that face toward the opposite side from rotating-member support 5 such that they divide the 180-degree range into four equal angles from the center of the pivoting member 230.

A pair of shaft holes 31 a that penetrate the side walls of the housing member 31 are formed in the housing member 31 at positions in a direction that cross the center axis of the housing member 31 (orthogonal direction in the figure). The rotation shaft 32 is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a, and the pivoting member 230 is supported by the rotation shaft 32 such that the inner surface that is orthogonal to the rotation shaft 32 freely rotates around the rotation shaft 32. Sliding prevention means 33 that prevent the pivoting member 230 from freely sliding over the rotation shaft 32 are fastened to the rotation shaft 32 on the sides of both end surfaces of the pivoting member 230.

A pair of pivot holes 31 b are formed in the side walls of the housing member 31 so that they extend along a plane that is orthogonal to the axis line of the rotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a. The pivot holes 31 b face each other and extend from the outside end section of the housing member 31 to the side of the bias-force-transmission member 30 further than the position where the shaft holes 31 a are formed.

The rotating-member support 5 is attached to the pivoting member 230 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 230. In this embodiment, the pivot holes 31 b are formed in a 180-degree range that faces in the outward direction of the housing member 31 and that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a, so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot in a 180-degree range centered around the rotation shaft 32.

A pivot-locking means 260 that prevents the rotating-member support 5 that is attached to the pivoting member 230 from freely pivoting is provided in the housing member 31 in which the pivoting member 230 is housed. A plastic cylindrical shaped member with a bottom, for example, is used for the pivot-locking means 260, such that this pivot-locking means 260 fits over the housing member 31 from the outside, and is fastened to the housing member 31 by adhesive or the like.

A pivot hole 260 a in which the rotating-member support 5 can pivot is formed in the pivot-locking means 260 such that it has a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 and that passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b, with locking holes 260 b in which the rotating-member support 5 fits being formed in the pivot hole 260 a. The locking holes 260 b are provided at a total of five positions that divide the pivot hole 260 a into four equal angles centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32. The width t3 of the pivot hole 260 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, for example (see FIG. 7), such that the rotating-member support 5 penetrates through the pivot hole 260 a to the outside.

The convex section 30 a and the concave sections 230 a are semi spherical, so when a force is applied to the pivoting member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex section 30 a comes out from the concave hole 230 a along the contour, and rides on top of the side surface of the pivot member 230. Here, the bias-force-transmission member 30 slides against the bias force in a direction in the axial direction going away from the pivoting member 230 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure).

When a force is further applied to the pivoting member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the pivoting member 230 rotates with the side surface thereof being pressed by the convex section 30 a, and when the next concave section 230 a moves into the position of the convex section 30 a, the convex section 30 a moves into the concave section 230 a and the bias-force-transmission member 30 slides in the direction toward the pivoting member 230 (direction opposite that of the straight arrow in the figure).

When the convex section 30 a that fits inside a concave section 230 a moves into another adjacent concave section 230 a in this way, the pivoting member 230 rotates the amount of a center angle that is formed between both of the concave sections 230 a.

The rotating-member support 5 receives the force in the inward direction of the width t3 of the pivot hole 260 a from the hole walls of the pivot hole 260 a at positions where the locking holes 260 b are not formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 260. Moreover, the locking holes 260 b are formed so that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them and such that they are continuous with the pivot hole 260 a, with the width thereof less than thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, so when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from a locking hole 260 b into the pivot hole 260 a, the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole wall of the locking hole 260 b that faces a direction opposite the direction of movement.

Here, the pivot hole 260 a is formed over a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 and passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b, and the locking holes 260 b are formed at positions that divide the pivot hole 260 a into four equal angles that are centered around the center line of the rotation shaft 32, so by taking one of the ends of the pivot hole 260 a to be a reference (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.

When the rotating-member support 5 moves from a locking hole 260 b to the pivot hole 260 a, it is necessary that the rotating-member support 5 deform the hole wall of the locking hole 260 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not pivot freely in the pivot hole 260 a unless a force large enough to deform the hole wall of the locking hole 260 b and overcome the locked state, or a force greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and pivot-locking means 260 is applied in the direction of rotation to the rotating-member support 5.

In the pivoting mechanism 220, construction is also possible in which the pivoting member 230 comprises convex sections instead of concave sections 230 a, and correspondingly, the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a concave section instead of a convex section 30 a.

Similar to the pivoting mechanism 220, the pivoting mechanism 221 shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and FIGS. 15A and 15B comprises a biasing means 28 and housing member 31, however, construction is such that instead of the pivoting member 230, a pivoting member 231 is housed inside the housing member 31.

A plastic spherical member, for example, is used for the pivoting member 231. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the rotating-member support 5 is attached to the pivoting member 231 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 231. A total of nine concave sections 231 a are provided on the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles around the circumferential direction of the axis line of the rotating-member support 5, and each being aligned along the axis line of the rotating-member support 5. The concave sections 231 a are provided over a 180-degree range that faces from the center of the pivoting member 231 toward the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles. Each concave section 231 a has a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to the convex section 30 a of the bias-force-transmission member 30.

As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, a movement-restriction member 31 d for preventing the pivoting member 231 from coming out from the housing member 31 is provided in inner surface of the side wall of the outside end (end on the opposite side from the connection section 21 c) of the housing member 31. In addition, a total of four pivot holes 31 b are formed in the side wall of the housing member 31 at positions that divide the side wall of the housing member 31 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the center axis of the housing member 31. Each pivot hole 31 b extends along the axis line of the housing member 31 from the outside end of the housing member 31 toward the side of the biasing means 28, and faces another pivot hole 31 b having one pivot hole 31 b between them.

In this embodiment, a pair of pivot holes 31 b that face each other are formed over a 180-degree range that faces toward the outside of the housing member 31 and that is centered around the center of the pivoting member 231 that is housed in the housing member 31 such that the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in the 180-degree range centered around the pivoting member 231.

A pivot-locking means 261 that is provided in the housing member 31 comprises a plastic cylindrical member, for example, having a bottom with a circular shaped opening 261 c in the center of the bottom plate, and pivot holes 261 a that connect the positions facing the pivot holes 31 b and the opening 261 c. In addition, locking holes 261 b are located at the end sections of each pivot hole 261 a.

When a force is applied to the pivoting member 231 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex section 30 a comes out from a concave section 231 a and rides up on the outer surface of the pivoting member 231, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 231 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivoting member 231 in the direction of rotation and the pivoting member 231 rotates, the convex section 30 a moves into the next concave section 231 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 231 (direction opposite to the straight arrow in the figure).

When the concave section 231 a in which the convex section 30 a fits changes to the adjacent concave section 231 a in this way, the pivoting member 231 rotates the amount of a center angle that is formed between both of the concave sections 231 a. For example, when a rotation force is applied to the pivoting member 231 and the pivoting member 231 pivots 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 14B in which the convex section 30 a fits in a convex section 231 a to a state in which the convex section 30 a has changed concave sections 231 a two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the position shown in FIG. 14C.

The inward facing force that the rotating-member support 5 receives from the hole walls of the pivot hole 261 a generates friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 261. Moreover, when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from a locking hole 261 b to the pivot hole 261 a, the rotating-member support 5 is held by the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b in the opposite direction it is trying to move.

Here, the convex section 30 a sequentially fits into the concave sections 231 a, which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 231 and that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5, causing the pivoting member 231 to rotate, so taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.

Moreover, when the rotating-member support 5 moves from a locking hole 261 b to the pivot hole 261 a, it is necessary that the rotating-member support 5 deform the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not pivot freely in the pivot hole 261 a unless a force large enough to deform the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b and overcome the locked state, or a force greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and pivot-locking means 261 is applied to the rotating-member support 5.

The pivoting mechanism 222 that is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, and FIGS. 17A and 17B is constructed such that instead of the pivoting member 231 of the pivoting mechanism 221, a pivoting member 232 is housed in the housing member 31. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, similar to the pivoting member 231, the pivoting member 232 comprises a concave section 232 a on the outer surface on the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 on the axis line of the rotating-member support 5, however, instead of comprising other concave sections 231 a, the pivoting member 231 comprises two concave grooves 232 b. The concave grooves 232 b extend in ring shapes around the outer surface of the pivoting member 232 at positions that together with the concave section 232 a divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 232 into four equal angles over a 180-degree range that faces toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 232, and have a semi-spherical cross-sectional shape that corresponds with the that of the convex section 30 a.

When a force is applied to the pivoting member 232 in the direction of rotation, the convex section 30 a comes out from the concave section 232 a or from a concave groove 232 b and rides up on the outer surface of the pivoting member 232, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 232 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivoting member 232 in the rotation direction thereof and the pivoting member 232 rotates, the convex section 30 a moves into the next concave section 232 a or concave groove 232 b, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going toward the pivoting member 232 (direction opposite the direction of the straight arrow in the figure).

By changing the concave section 232 a or concave groove 232 b in which the convex section 30 a fits in this way, the pivoting member 232 rotates through a center angle that is formed between the concave section 232 a and a concave groove 232 b, or between concave grooves 232 b. For example, when the pivoting member 232 pivots 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 16A in which the convex section 30 a fits in the concave section 232 a to a state after the convex section 30 a has changed concave grooves 232 b two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked at a position as shown in FIG. 16B.

The pivoting mechanism 223 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is constructed such that instead of the pivoting member 231 of the pivoting mechanism 221, a pivoting member 233 is housed in the housing member 31. Instead of comprising the concave sections 231 a of the pivoting member 231, the pivoting member 233 comprises convex sections 233 a, and instead of comprising a convex section 30 a, the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a semi-spherical concave section 300 a that corresponds with the convex sections 233 a. Moreover, locking holes 31 c are provided on the end of each pivot hole 31 b that are located on the side of the biasing means 28. Convex sections 233 a of the pivoting member 233 fit into the locking holes 31 c, and with the pivoting member 233 held between a pair of opposing locking holes 31 c that are positioned in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of rotation of the pivoting member 233 via the convex sections 233 a, the convex sections 233 a are made to function as a rotation shaft when the pivoting member 233 rotates.

When a force is applied to the pivoting member 233 in the rotation direction thereof, the convex section 233 a comes out from the concave section 300 a and rides up on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 233 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivoting member 233 in the rotation direction thereof and the pivoting member 233 rotates, the next convex section 233 a moves into a concave section 300 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 233 (direction opposite the straight arrow in the figure).

By changing the convex section 233 a that fits in the concave section 300 a to another adjacent convex section 233 a in this way, the pivoting member 233 rotates a center angle that is formed between both convex sections 233 a. For example, when a rotation force is applied to the pivoting member 233 causing the pivoting member 233 to rotate 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 18A in which a convex section 233 a fits inside the concave section 300 a to the state in which the convex section 233 a that fits in the concave section 300 a has changed two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 18B.

Here, the convex sections 233 a, which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 233 dividing the outer surface of the pivoting member 233 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5, sequentially fit into the concave section 300 a, causing the pivoting member 233 to rotate, so by taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.

Similar to the pivoting mechanism 223, the pivoting mechanism 224 shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D comprises a biasing means 28, pivoting member 233 and housing member 31, however, construction is such that instead of the housing member 31, the pivoting member 233 is housed in a housing 34. The housing 34 is made of plastic, for example, that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to the pivoting member 233, and is fastened to the housing member 31 by adhesive or the like.

A total of four pivot holes 34 b that extend along the axis line of the housing member 31 are formed in the housing 34 at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 34 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the axis line of the housing member 31 being centered around the axis line of the housing member 31. Each pivot hole 34 b extends from a position on the housing 34 that crosses the axis line of the housing member 31 toward the side of the housing member 31, and is opposite from another pivot hole 34 b having one pivot hole 34 b in between. A total of four fitting members 35 are provided at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 34 into four equal angles from the center of the housing 34 in the circumferential direction around the axis line of the housing member 31. In addition, a fitting member 37 is provided on the inner surface on the outside end of the housing 34 that faces the ends of each of the pivot holes 34 b.

Each fitting member 35 extends along the axis line of the housing member 31 to the inner surface of the housing 34, with a convex section 233 a fitting in a depression 35 a that is formed in the center in the extended direction thereof. The pivoting member 233 is held between a pair of opposing fitting members 35 via the convex sections 233 a, such that the convex sections 233 a function as the rotation shaft when the pivoting member 233 rotates.

Guide grooves 300 b that extend in a crisscross direction with the concave section 300 a as the center are formed on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30. The guide grooves 300 b are for guiding a convex section 233 a into the concave section 300 a or out from the concave section 300 a. In each of the pivoting mechanisms 220 to 224 described above, the bias-force-transmission member 30 can be constructed such that it comprises a bulge section that is formed by causing the center section of the outer surface to bulge outward in a circular shape such that the outer surface of this bulge section comprises a convex section 30 a or concave section 300 a.

In the pivoting mechanisms 220 to 224 described above, the biasing means 28 comprises a bias-force-transmission member 30 and biasing member 29, however, instead of the biasing member 29 it is possible to apply a bias force to the bias-force-transmission member 30 using a biasing means 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, in the pivoting mechanism 220, construction is possible in which the bias-force-transmission member 30 is fastened to a locking member 13 a by a linking section 36 so that the bias-force-transmission member 30 is integrated with the locking member 13 a and slides due to the bias force from the bias member 12, with through holes 36 a for the linking section 36 being provided in the rotation-prevention member 21 a, shaft section 21 b, connection section 21 c and locked member 21 d.

With this construction, when a force is applied to the pivoting member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex section 30 a rides up on the side surface of the pivoting member 230, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 230 against the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linking section 36. When a force is further applied to the pivoting member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex section 30 a moves into the next convex section 230 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 230 due to the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linking section 36.

Moreover, in the pivoting mechanisms 221 to 224 described above, the case was explained in which the housing member 31 comprises pivot holes 31 b on the cylindrical shaped tip end thereof, however, the housing construction for the pivoting members 231 to 233 by the housing member 31 is not limited to the construction described above. For example, in the pivoting mechanism 222, construction is possible in which a plastic housing 330 that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds with the pivoting member 233 is attached to the tip end of a cylindrical shaped member 320, as in the case of the housing member 310 shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, with pivot holes 310 b being provided in this housing 330.

A total of four pivot holes 310 b that extend in line with the axis line of the cylindrical member 320 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 330 at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 330 into four equal angles around the axis line of the cylindrical member 320. Each pivot hole 310 b extends from a position on the housing 330 that crosses the axis line of the housing 330 toward the side of the cylindrical member 320, and is opposite from another pivot hole 310 b having one pivot hole 310 b in between. The cylindrical member 320 also functions as a means for preventing the pivoting member 232 from coming out from the housing member 310.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toy, where the right side of the drawing when facing the page is a cross-sectional view, and the right side is a front view.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the locking member shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acts on the rotating mechanism shown in FIG. 1 and the rotating mechanism is rotating.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acted on the rotation mechanism shown in FIG. 1 and the rotation mechanism rotated.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a pivoting mechanism, and FIG. 7B is an assembly diagram of the pivoting mechanism as seen from A in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are front views of the toy showing the state in which all of the planes of motion of the three rotating members coincide, FIG. 8D is a front view of the toy showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown in FIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8E is a front view of the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9A to 9F are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide.

FIGS. 10A to 10G are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of all three rotating members are different, FIG. 10H is a front view showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown in FIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10I is a front view of the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the front view of the toy showing the state in which a magnet is used as a biasing member.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, FIG. 13B is first cross-sectional view, and FIG. 13C is a second cross-sectional view.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, FIG. 14B is first cross-sectional view, and FIG. 14C is a second cross-sectional view.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C.

FIG. 16A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, and FIG. 16B is a second cross-sectional view.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 18A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, and FIG. 18B is a second cross-sectional view.

FIG. 19A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of other construction of a pivoting mechanism, FIG. 19B is a drawing showing the pivoting member shown in FIG. 19A, FIG. 19C is a drawing showing a fitting member shown in FIG. 19A, and FIG. 19D is a drawing showing the bias-force-transmission members shown in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 is a drawing explaining another example of a method for transmitting bias force by the bias-force-transmission member.

FIG. 21A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, and FIG. 21B is a second cross-sectional view.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 Toy -   2 Joint apparatus -   3 Base member -   4 Rotating member -   4 a Shaft hole -   5 Rotating-member support -   5 a Large-diameter section -   5 b Sliding-prevention means -   6 Held section -   7 Connection sections -   8 Grip -   9 Fastening member -   9 a Concave section -   10, 31 Housing member -   10 a Long hole -   11, 28 Biasing means -   12, 29 Biasing member -   13, 30 Bias-force-transmission member -   13 a Locking member -   13 b Flat plate -   13 c, 30 a, 233 a Convex section -   13 d Rotation-prevention member -   14 Restraining means -   14 a Insert section -   14 b Locked section -   14 c Through hole -   21 Rotating mechanism -   21 a Rotation-prevention mechanism -   21 b Shaft section -   21 c Connection section -   21 d Locked member -   21 e Flat plate -   21 f, 230 a to 232 a, 300 a Concave section -   21 g Flat section -   22, 220 to 224 Pivoting mechanism -   23, 230 to 233 Pivoting member -   232 b Concave groove -   24, 34, 240, 330 Housing -   25, 250 Housing member -   25 a, 250 a Fitting hole -   25 b, 250 b, 250 c Pivot hole -   26, 260 Pivot-locking means -   26 a, 260 a, 261 a Pivot hole -   26 b, 260 b, 261 b Locking hole -   27 Fastening means -   31 b Fastening means -   31 d Movement-restriction member -   t1 Thickness of combined pivot holes -   t2 Thickness of the rotating-member support -   t3 Width of the pivot hole -   H Plane of motion of a rotating member 

1. A joint apparatus for a toy having a rotating member that rotates freely with respect to a base member of the toy, comprising a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports said rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for said rotating member, to move relative to said base member.
 2. The joint apparatus for a toy of claim 1 further comprising pivot-locking means for locking said pivoting mechanism in the pivoting direction thereof.
 3. The joint apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rotation mechanism that is linked to said pivoting mechanism and enables said pivot mechanism to rotate with respect to said base member.
 4. The joint apparatus of claim 3 further comprising rotation-locking means for locking said rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof.
 5. The joint apparatus of claim 3 wherein said rotation-locking means comprises: restraining means for restraining said rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and biasing means for applying bias to said rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface; with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of said rotation mechanism.
 6. The joint apparatus of claim 3 wherein said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism.
 7. The joint apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a rotation mechanism that is linked to said pivoting mechanism and enables said pivot mechanism to rotate with respect to said base member.
 8. The joint apparatus of claim 4 wherein said rotation-locking means comprises: restraining means for restraining said rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and biasing means for applying bias to said rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface; with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of said rotation mechanism.
 9. The joint apparatus of claim 4 wherein said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism.
 10. The joint apparatus of claim 5 wherein said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism. 